The only method to reduce your risk of sunburn and skin cancer in the spring and summer is to spend less time in the sun. When applied properly, sunscreen lessens the harm that UVA and UVB rays do. You must minimize your time in the sun, even when wearing sunscreen. Shade tarps are known to block UV rays. Many different types of tarps block UVA and UVB rays.
Mesh tarps that block UV light will shield you from its harmful effects if you’re going to be outside.
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Does UV Light Really Pose a Risk?
Take a moment to reflect on the truths regarding ultraviolet radiation. Sunlight inherently contains UV rays. Even though the sun’s rays may feel wonderful, they harm your skin cells. One of the risks of exposure to the sun is premature aging. The risk of skin cancer is greater. While UVA rays raise your risk of developing skin cancer, UVB rays are more closely associated with both skin cancer and sunburn.
Why is this crucial? More than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were discovered in 2012. Another 58 million people are thought to have precancerous skin cell damage. While avoiding the sun may not always be possible, you may take steps to protect your skin from UV light damage.
When you’re outside, you need to wear a lot of sunscreens. People frequently apply too little sunscreen and neglect to cover areas like the lips, eyes, and ears. Broad-spectrum sunscreen must have an SPF of at least 15, shield you from UVA and UVB rays, and be UVA and UVB protective. Reapply it every couple of hours, after swimming, or if you sweat a lot.
When the sun is at its hottest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), try to spend as much time indoors or in a covered environment as you can. The ideal option is a UV-blocking shelter or sunshade.
Which materials block UV rays?
Make sure you choose a tarp that blocks UV rays before constructing a sunshade, patio cover, or any other kind of shelter. These tarps offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
1. Polyethylene tarps
These tarps are UV-treated and water-resistant. Consider using silver UVR heavy-duty tarps if you want to build an awning or another type of shelter. Heavy-duty poly tarps are also available in green, black, brown, and white if you don’t want silver. These tarps are all mildew-resistant, making them perfect for use outside over a deck, patio, pool, or sandbox.
2. Vinyl Coated Polyester Tarps
Tarps with a vinyl coating are also mold-resistant. They are made to withstand hard use and are waterproof. The tear-resistant nature of these tarps makes them perfect if you reside in a windy location. In order to block UVA and UVB radiation, they are also UV-treated. The variety of hues gives your backyard, daycare, or school a whimsical touch. They come in conventional hues like black, white, and gray and striking hues like pink, purple, crimson, burgundy, and others.
3. Vinyl laminated polyester tarps
The vinyl-coated poly tarps are excellent solutions for an outside workspace. These tarps are different since they are also flame resistant. They are, therefore, a great option if you will be working on a building site where welding equipment is present. The tarps are available in nine colors, are waterproof, and mildew resistant.
4. Polypropylene mesh tarps
A polypropylene mesh tarp provides UV protection and breathability from the sturdy mesh construction if you require a tarp that enables air to flow. This tarp is fantastic if you want to add more sun protection by building walls around a deck or patio. Use a mesh tarp around the outdoor area to block UV rays and insects, then place a solid tarp on top to serve as the roof.
FAQs about UV protection and tarps
Do tarps protect from the sun?
Tarps do shield you from the sun, so the easy answer is yes. However, you also need to consider whether they shield you from ultraviolet (UV) light. Most tarps are made to shield against UV rays as well as only from the sun because UV light can be unhealthy for your skin. All of the tarps have been designed to offer sun and UV protection.
How long will my tarp last in the sun?
The kind of material your tarp is constructed of will determine how long it will endure in the sun. A plastic tarp typically lasts three to five years when routinely exposed to the sun. This is because the UV rays will eventually cause the plastic substance to degrade. Don’t leave your plastic tarp exposed for an extended period of time if you want to prolong its lifespan.
Even if they are frequently exposed to the sun, canvas tarps can persist for more than ten years. Impro handling and storage will likely shorten a canvas tarp’s lifespan.
Are our canvas tarps UV resistant?
Given that a canvas tarp can withstand the sun for a long time, the question is whether it offers UV protection. Yes, canvas tarps can shield you from UV rays, but they must be treated with particular ingredients in order to do so.
It has been demonstrated that canvas material can block direct UV particle flow but not diffused UV radiation that can pass through the cloth. As a result, you should look for a material that has been specifically designed to block UV radiation.
Final thoughts
As you can see from this article, it is evident that tarps can protect you from UV rays and sunlight. However, ensure that the tarp you buy offers UV protection, especially if you are looking for a tarp to assist you with sun exposure.
